Beach lifesaving system and method of deployment

ABSTRACT

A surf lifesaving system comprises two floating lines extending from two spaced apart tethering points fixed on the beach to a buoy anchored offshore on the seabed. The floating lines are connected to sinking lines which pass through pulleys attached to the buoy in continuous loops with the floating lines. The tethering points are poles anchored in the sand, the floating lines comprise individual floats connected by rope at from three to seven meter intervals and the sinking lines have a core which is denser than saltwater.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for retrieving swimmers who get into difficulty while swimming off beaches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Surf lifesavers typically monitor swimmers at a beach who are supposed to swim in an area of surf demarcated by two flags. When a lifesaver observes a swimmer in difficulty he sounds the alarm and one or more rescuers go to retrieve the distressed swimmer. The rescue team may use an inflatable boat, a jet ski or simply swim out with the traditional line and reel.

However there are a number of shortcomings with this current approach. First of all the swimmer in difficulty may have been carried by a rip well outside the flagged area and may not even come to the notice of the lifeguard. Also when there are strong rips, a number of swimmers may encounter difficulty at the same time and the rescuers may have to make a number of trips from and to the beach while some swimmers are left in distress. The associated delay in saving the last few may be life threatening and even the rescuers may tire and have difficulty in continuing the rescue.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system which overcomes some of the disadvantages and limitations of current lifesaving methods or at least provides a useful alternative.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

According to one but not necessarily the only aspect, the invention resides in a beach lifesaving system including:

-   -   i. at least one floating line;     -   ii. at least one sinking line;     -   iii. a buoy attached to a seabed wherein said at least one         floating line and said at least one sinking line form a         continuous loop whereby said continuous loop is rotatably         attached to the buoy at one end and to a tethering point on a         beach at another end.

In one embodiment a beach lifesaving system comprises two continuous loops extending from two spaced apart tethering points fixed on the beach to the buoy anchored offshore on the seabed.

Preferably the floating lines are connected to the sinking lines adjacent the buoy wherein the sinking lines pass through pulleys attached to the buoy.

Preferably the tethering points are poles anchored in the sand.

Preferably the floating lines comprise individual floats connected by rope or cable from three to seven metre intervals.

Preferably the sinking lines have a core which is denser than salt water.

Preferably the floating lines carry a shark repellent system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the beach lifesaving system deployed at a beach;

FIGS. 2 a to d show the operation of a loop line of the beach lifesaving system;

FIG. 3 shows the tethering detail of a buoy anchored offshore;

FIGS. 4 a & b show the detail of tethering poles on the beach;

FIGS. 5 a to d illustrate a sequence for deploying the system;

FIG. 6 illustrates the possible triangular deployments of two continuous loop lines of the system;

FIG. 7 illustrates two possible deployments of the continuous loop lines at right angles;

FIG. 8 refers to another embodiment using two continuous loop lines which are angled to each other and fixed to a common buoy;

FIG. 9 refers to a similar embodiment shown in FIG. 8 where use is made of a continuous loop line and a floating line in combination;

FIG. 10 refers to use of a single continuous loop line in another embodiment;

FIG. 11 refers to a similar embodiment to FIG. 10 wherein the continuous loop line is located at an angle to the beach;

FIG. 12 shows use of a beach line connecting a continuous loop line and a floating line spaced from each other;

FIG. 13 shows use of a cross line interconnecting two continuous loop lines spaced from each other;

FIG. 14 shows use of a back line in combination with a continuous loop line;

FIG. 15 shows a similar system to what is shown in FIG. 14 but used for a current travelling in the opposite direction to what is shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows use of an offshore mooring system for use in the invention; and

FIGS. 17-22 show a sequence of steps used in assembly of an auger system for use in the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 buoy 1 is anchored to the seabed offshore and floating lines 2 and 3 stretch between buoy 1 and flag poles 4 and 5 on the beach. Lines 2 and 3 are connected to sinking lines 6 and 7 to form loops so that while lines 2 and 3 float on the surface of the water lines 6 and 7 sink to the sea bed. A typical loop will be 50 metres of line with floats at five metre intervals joined to 50 metres of continuous sinking line.

In FIG. 3 sinking lines 6 and 7 pass through pulleys 8 and 9 attached to buoy 1 which is anchored to the seabed by anchor 10 and end floats 11 are shackled or attached to sinking lines 6 and 7 at 11A and 11B. Floating lines 2 and 3 are shackled or attached to end floats 11 at 11C and 11D. Accordingly, floating lines 2 and 3 demarcate a triangular swimming zone 4A shown in FIG. 1, reaching from buoy 1 and tethered to flag poles 4 and 5 on the beach as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. Poles 4 and 5 have augers 12 which screw into the sand and baskets 13 to hold slack line and lifeguard items. There is also provided flags 20, and cross bar 21 for attachment to lines 2 and 6 as shown in FIG. 5.

If a swimmer is carried by current, sweep or rip he or she will encounter floating line 2 or 3 on the downward side and know that he or she is drifting outside the defined area formed by triangular zone 4A. Further, if a swimmer is having difficulty they can hold on to the floating line as shown in FIG. 2 a at location 3 a and raise an arm to signal for help. At this point a lifeguard can free float line 2 or 3 as the case may be from flag pole 4 or 5 and haul the floating line to thereby also facilitate retrieving the swimmer.

As the floating line 2 is drawn in the sinking line 6 is drawn through the pulley 8 at buoy 1 as shown in FIG. 2 b and the floating line 2 starts a return journey back out to buoy 1 as shown if FIG. 2 c. Accordingly the swimmer is returned to the beach and the floating line returns to buoy 1. When the floating line is fully reloaded it re-establishes the boundary of the defined swimming area 4A and the sinking line sinks as shown in FIG. 2 d.

In FIG. 3 there is also shown pulleys 8 and 9 connected by swivels 7A and 7B to adjacent ring 7C to ensure that the lines do not become entangled. Both swivels 7A and 7B are pivotally attached to pulleys 8 and 9 at 8A and 8B. Attachment ring 7C is connected to buoy 1 by line 7E. Line 7E is connected to mounting ring 13A of buoy 1 by D clamp 14A and line 7E is attached to attachment ring 7C by D clamp 15. In similar fashion line 16 interconnects anchor 10 and mounting ring 13A by D clamps 17 and 18. In this arrangement D clamp 17 is attached to mounting ring 19 of anchor 10. It will also be appreciated that swivels 7A and 7B are snap locked or releasably attached to mounting ring 7C (not shown).

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d illustrate a sequence for rapidly deploying the system. In FIG. 5 a sinking lines 6 and 7 are attached to jet ski 14 at a free end and to floating lines 2 and 3 at their other end all of which are laid out on the beach. The jet ski then takes lines 6 and 7 out to buoy 1 as shown in FIG. 5 b where they are passed through pulleys 8 and 9 and the ski returns to the beach with the free ends as shown in FIG. 5 c. Lines 2 and 3 are then joined to 6 and 7 respectively and tethered to poles 4 and 5 as shown in FIG. 5 d.

FIG. 6 illustrates the dimensions of a range of possible swimming areas which can be defined with floating lines 2 and 3 depending on where the surf is breaking and the sea conditions prevailing at the time. A corner of these triangular areas can also be sectioned off for children, preferably an up drift corner so that if a child drifts outside the section barrier it will still be within the larger defined area.

It is also possible to configure floating lines 2 and 3 at right angles as shown in FIG. 7 depending on the direction of the current, sweep or rip so that swimmers drift on to which ever line is tethered to the beach. A distressed swimmer can go hand over hand to buoy 1 if they have been swept out to sea and can be drawn into the beach as described previously.

In FIG. 8 reference is made to another embodiment of the invention wherein floating lines 2A and 3A are located outwardly and below sinking lines 6A and 7A. This is a more preferred arrangement to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. There is also shown beach 9A and arrow 9B pointing the direction of the current and auger assemblies 40 for supporting lines 2A and 6A and 3A and 7A shown hereinafter in FIGS. 17-22. There is also shown buoys 1A, 1B and 1C which are fixed and permanent mooring installations so that the continuous loop lines 2A, 6A and 3A, 7A can be relocated as required.

In FIG. 9 there is shown another alternative arrangement to that shown in FIG. 8 where use is made only of one floating line 2B without an associated sinking line 6B. Thus floating line 7B provides a visual boundary to designated swimming area 4A and facilitates the operation of continuous loop line 3A, 7A.

FIG. 10 shows another alternative arrangement which shows a single loop line having floating line 3A and sinking line 7A.

FIG. 11 shows a similar arrangement to what is shown in FIG. 10 with the variation that the single loop line is at an angle to the beach 9A.

FIG. 12 shows a continuous loop line 2A, 6A and a single floating line 3A which are interconnected by a back line 24 between buoys 1A and 1B. This arrangement has the advantage that swimmers cannot be swept out to sea.

FIG. 13 shows the use of a pair of loop lines 2A, 6A and 3A, 7A respectively and interconnected by a back line or cross line 25 which is adjustably attached to each loop line shown by the lines 9D in phantom.

FIG. 14 shows another possible arrangement where use is made of a single loop line 2A, 6A and a single back line 24.

FIG. 15 shows the opposite arrangement to what is shown in FIG. 14 having regard to the fact that the current is running in an opposite direction.

FIG. 16 shows another arrangement of interconnection of the buoy 1 to anchor 10 where use is made of a single line 27 connected to the bottom end 28 of buoy 1 and top end 29 of anchor 10. Line 27 has loops 30 and 31 at each end located adjacent sealed parts or clamped parts 32 and 33. Buoy 1 has a top end 34 connection to an adjacent loop line (not shown) using attachment ring 34A. Shackles or D clamps 35 connect the top end or connection ring 29 of anchor 10 to loop 30.

FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 show a stepwise sequence in assembly of an auger arrangement 40 for use in the invention in replacement of auger 12. FIG. 17 shows attachment of a circular frame 41 having radial ribs 42 to elongate shaft 43 which has a bottom auger part 44 having four plates 45 located at right angles to each other in a cruciform arrangement as shown in plan.

FIG. 18 subsequently shows attachment of a cover plate 46 which has a central passage 47 defined by mound 48 which engages into shaft 43 as shown. Circular frame 41 is located adjacent and abuts auger part 44 as shown. Cover plate 46 also has snap lock protrusions 47A for insertion of the continuous loop line (not shown).

FIG. 19 shows the final attachment of the cover plate 46 abutting circular frame 41 while FIG. 20 shows attachment of a hammer shaft 48 having stop 49 to shaft 43. FIG. 21 shows hammer shaft 48 in final position on shaft 43 while FIG. 22 shows incorporation of a bowl part 50 to hammer shaft 43 for containing excess rope lines and lifeguard items.

FIG. 22 shows auger assembly 40 in a final assembled position. The circular frame 41 has a peripheral or circular frame member 51 which engages in a recess in the sand (not shown). The use of the hammer shaft 43 is to drive the shaft 43 into the sand. The use of stop 49 is to support bowl part 50 as shown in FIG. 22.

It also will be appreciated that the term “beach” as used herein may also refer to a lake, dam or other suitable body of water.

ADVANTAGES

It will be obvious that the system of the subject invention has many advantages over existing lifesaving methods. It provides physical boundaries to the monitored swimming area and constant flotation support for distressed swimmers. Further the latter can be rapidly retrieved en masse by lifeguards who do not have to leave the beach. If they do have to swim out to support a swimmer they can also use the float line for assistance.

The floating lines and the sinking lines can also be used for other purposes. For example floating lines can be laid out to mark swimming lanes for beach carnivals and electronic shark repellent devices can be attached to protect swimmers from shark attack.

VARIATIONS

It will be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as herein set forth. For example a variety of flotation means could be used on the float lines and various forms of weighted cable could be devised. 

1. A beach lifesaving system including:— i. at least one floating line; ii. at least one sinking line; iii. a buoy attached to a seabed wherein said at least one floating line and said at least one sinking line form a continuous loop whereby said continuous loop is rotatably attached to the buoy at one end and to a tethering point on a beach at another end.
 2. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 1 which includes a pair of continuous loops each having a floating line and a sinking line which are also rotatably attached to spaced tethering points located on the beach.
 3. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 1 which includes a single continuous loop.
 4. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 2 wherein each continuous loop has a backline or cross line in the form of a floating line connected to each continuous loop to form a defined swimming area.
 5. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 3 which also incorporates a beach line in the form of a floating line forming part of a defined swimming area.
 6. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 2 which also incorporates a floating line connected to the buoy adjacent the continuous loop at an angle to the direction of a current.
 7. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the back line or the cross line is adjustably connected to each continuous loop.
 8. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the or each floating line has a plurality of floats at spaced intervals to prevent each floating line from being submerged.
 9. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least continuous loop is pivotally attached to a pulley which also has a swivel attached thereto.
 10. A beach lifesaving system as claimed in claim 9 wherein each swivel is releasably attached to a mounting ring which is connected by an attachment line to the buoy.
 11. A beach attachment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the buoy is attached to an adjacent anchor located on the seabed.
 12. A beach attachment system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the anchor has a connection line releasably attached to a loop end of the anchor and said connection line is attached to a bottom end of the buoy.
 13. An auger assembly for use in a beach life saving system including: i. An auger located at a bottom end of an auger shaft; ii. A hammer shaft attached to the auger shaft in telescopic relationship; iii. A support frame attached to the auger shaft; and iv. A cover plate having a plurality of locations for attachment of a continuous loop line which abuts the support frame.
 14. An auger assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the support frame abuts the auger when attached to the auger shaft.
 15. An auger assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein there is provided a container part attached to a top end of the hammer shaft. 